Isoprenaline hydrochloride

What is it used for?

Failure of the heart to maintain adequate circulation of blood (cardiogenic shock).

How does it work?

Isoprenaline is a type of medicine which is a type of medicine called a sympathomimetic stimulant.

Isoprenaline stimulates beta1 adrenergic receptors in the heart, which causes an increase in the rate and strength at which the heart beats. This allows blood to be pumped effectively around the body in conditions such as heart failure, where the pumping ability of the heart is reduced

This medicine is given intravenously as an emergency treatment for serious heart disorders.

Not to be used in

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available about the safety of this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache.

Increased blood flow to the skin on the face (facial flushing).

Shaking, usually of the hands (tremor).

Sweating.

Awareness of your heartbeat (palpitations).

Chest pain.

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to ensure that the combination is safe.

When taken together with mono-amine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants, the effects of isoprenaline may be increased.

When taken together with the following medicines, the risk of heart rhythm disturbances is increased:

digoxin

guanethidine

methyldopa

tricyclic antidepressants.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredients

Isoprenaline injections are only available generically (ie without a brand name).

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